WASHINGTON, DC — Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.8 months in July, according to an ABC member survey conducted July 24 to Aug. 4. “Backlog continued to rise in July despite the ongoing decline in construction spending,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “While backlog rose, contractor confidence slipped in July, especially with regards to profit margins,” said Basu. “Fewer than 2% of ABC members expect their profit margins to increase significantly over the next six months, the fewest since October 2024. This is likely due to trade policy and the recent acceleration in materials price escalation; more than 80% of ABC members have been notified of tariff-related price increases.”